Cuimhnigh linn Óglach Eamonn Bradley inniú.

Eamonn ‘Bronco’ Bradley came from Shantallow, just outside Derry City. He got involved in the Republican Movement at a young age, being O/C of Na Fianna Éireann in Shantallow at the age of 16. He performed that role brilliantly and went on to become vice O/C of Na Fianna in Derry City. He displayed great discipline and maturity despite his youth.

At the age of 17 Bronco entered the ranks of the Irish Republican Army. He was serious in his duties as a volunteer and proved to be very patient when it was required. A former comrade recalls on how one occasion he sat in a car waiting to engage British troops for nearly four hours. When no enemy troops appeared he dropped his accomplice off before continuing to wait for the troops on his own.

In 1976 Bronco was arrested and imprisoned for his Republican acivities. He spent the following five years in Long Kesh, taking part in the blanket protest for political status. When he was released in 1981 he returned to active service.

On August 25th 1982, Bronco and a friend were enjoying a few drinks on a summer’s afternoon in Derry City. As they left the pub they were confronted by British soldiers. The soldiers shot Bronco without warning, and fired another few rounds into him for good measure as he lay dying on the ground. As his family campaigned for justice for his murder, the British Army dismissed their protestations by insisting that it was an ‘accident’. Nothing could be further from the truth, it was merely the latest in a long list of dreadful deeds committed by her majesty’s soldiers in Ireland. Needless to say, no soldier was charged in relation to the shooting. Bronco was laid to rest by his family and comrades, he was 23 years old.